Can anyone give support?

[Spiculated]

I need some, one on one support from someone who has already been down this journey. I am newly diagnosed, and uncertain about what treatment I should do, as my biopsy was inconclusive, and I am depressed and anxious. I live alone and am unable to work so I am having a tough time and could really use someone to support me through this. Thanks

[Seaspray298]

Hi, I would be glad to give you some one on one support. I too had TWO "inconclusive" lung biopsies at a well known cancer facility. I was officially diagnosed with stage IV when they biopsied a spot that showed up on my vertebrae.

If you have no other lesions, radiation in my opinion would be the way to go. I have had radiation to my hip, my lymph node in my lung and most recently my brain. But, I would also want a second opinion if this is at all possible.

Feel free to share your feelings as most of us have been through so much we have become our own experts.

[Spiculated in reply to Seaspray298]

Hi Seaspray, thank you so much for your reply, and offering your support.

I am so sorry you had to go through two biopsies. Mine traumatized me. Having the pneumothorax, and being in agonizing pain. I had to wear the chest tube for ten days, and it caused severe pain everyday. The surgeon discussed my case with other doctors during rounds, and the consensus was to do radation instead of another cat, on the nodule. I have one small nodule about three quarters of the way down,into middle of my left lung,sitting on top of a blood vessel. How was the radiation for you?

[Seaspray298 in reply to Spiculated]

The radiation was 10 sessions with the weekend off. I had horrible pain in my chest so by the time I had about the 5th sessions, the pain was almost gone. It was such a relief. Mine was pressing on my heart and close to my esophagus, so the radiation caused esophagitis which made it impossible to swallow. That lasted about a week and then I was fine. Do you have any other lesions?

[Spiculated in reply to Seaspray298]

Sorry about the pain. Did painkillers not help? What kind of pain was it? I have one nodule. I want to talk to the doc about liquid biopsy. I don't know if it is available here though. I live in Ottawa, where do you live?

[Seaspray298 in reply to Spiculated]

I did not require pain meds although I did use "Magic Mouthwash" which numbed my throat and esophagus so I could get food and drinks down. From what I have learned, a liquid biopsy is not as reliable as a tissue biopsy. I am in the U.S. down in Florida! I too am alone trying to take care of myself.

[Spiculated in reply to Seaspray298]

My 2nd home! I have spent a lot of time in Fla.

It's hard taking care of yourself when going through something like this.

[Jenniferroseolson in reply to Spiculated]

I just finished 5 treatments of SBRT (very targeted radiation) to a single mass (in my lower lobe left lung)that had grown from about 3cm to 4.5 cm after being stable since sept 2015. I was diagnosed stage IV in April 2015, had chemotherapy and continued on maintanance chemo (68 treatments) until growth this fall. I was diagnosed before docs were doing targeted radiation on lung masses. Sbrt Radiation made me tired, and I felt some uncomfortable pressure In my Chest, but generally my side effects were very minimal. Hope this is helpful

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The Go2 Foundation that sponsors this board has a Phone Buddy Program. They will match you up with someone who has had a similar diagnosis or problem. You can register here:

go2foundation.org/resources...

They also have someone who can answer questions for you. You can call direct or email your question. HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or emailing [e-mail].

[Spiculated in reply to Denzie]

Denzie, thanks for the info. I will give it a try.

[Seaspray298 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you Denzie for providing those suggestions and links! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Seaspray298]

I hope they can help you. I especially like the Phone Buddy. You’ll find a warm friendship can grow out of it.

[Seaspray298 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you Denzie but I was thankful you sent those links to Spiculated! After fighting my battle for over 5 years I am fortunate to have many cancer buddies (especially from Inspire) to share with.

[Steph60]

I would be more than happy give you moral support. I have been cancer free for 6 yrs and know that the whole process can feel overwhelming.

[Spiculated in reply to Steph60]

Thanks Steph60 for replying...I can use all the support right now that I can get

[SusieJo1948]

Hi I'll be here for you too. I'll help as much as I can.Try not to be afraid I know that's hard to do. You have all of us so your not alone. What one of us doesn't know another will. I know I explained about why I didn't do radiation. I don't want you not to do it because i didn't. It's up to you and your Dr what's best for you. I did 6 months chemo by some luck or as Dr says I'm his little miracle. 7 years and counting a lung cancer survivor. So yes I'm here for you,if you need talk,rant. Cry or smile laugh we do that sometimes to get our minds to stop thinking about it. We are all compassionate and care very much.please let us know what's happening your stage or treatments. Love susiejo1948

[Spiculated in reply to SusieJo1948]

SusieJo1948, thanks for your supply and support. I am afraid, and down as well. On top of the lung cancer, my pet scan also showed a bright spot in my mouth, so possibly a 2nd cancer. I was totally unprepared for that. I have an appointment this week to see about that, and I am waiting to hear from radiation. I have been feeling really weak and fatigued since the biopsy. I don't understand that. Have a nice day!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Spiculated]

When do you learn the results of the PET scan? Sending prayers for strength and patience.

[SusieJo1948]

Let us know what's happening or I will worry. I'm very empathetic. Even though I don't know you personally I care. There is hope, don't give up keep fighting. There are a lot of new treatments out and more coming that are letting stage 3 and 4 living longer. It is no longer a automatic death sentence. Talk to some of the others that are stage4 and they'll tell you they are living a lot longer. Love